Leo Alarcon Kleberg County Clerk Leo Alarcon announced he will seek re-election for a third term in the March 2010 Primary election.

Focusing on his efforts to maintain and protect the public’s records, Alarcon said he believes it is his duty and responsibility to continue the work he began in the county clerk’s office.

“With the professional experience, education and leadership I brought to this office, we are meeting our goals, protecting county records and finding ways to better serve our customers,” Alarcon said.

The Kingsville native says he has gained considerable experience in the five years he has served and believes he is well qualified to keep working for the public. “Naturally in my position as county clerk, I wear many hats and although I have gained much experience all this could not be done alone,” Alarcon said, “My dedicated staff deserves praise.”

Alarcon acknowledged that he seized the opportunity for a fresh start by changing his standards based on education and trust of employees. “I will continue to scrutinize those applying to work here,” Alarcon said. As soon as he took office Alarcon implemented a criminal record check plan for all existing and future employees. He recently added new personnel, including a new chief deputy and an office manager to assist with the financial aspect and elections of the office.

Alarcon said he is honored to serve as county clerk and humbled at the opportunity. “I appreciate the trust and support of the community; I am someone who takes pride in this role in county government and will continue to work in an honest and faithful way.”

Alarcon was first elected in November of 2004 to fill an unexpired term and in the 2006 primary was re-elected by obtaining the highest number of votes in all contested races for Kleberg County having received 69 percent of the vote.

Alarcon said he would continue to provide organization as the recorder of the county, whose duties, perquisites and fees are prescribed by the Texas Legislature.

Alarcon said he has made many changes to his office from obtaining remote access to locally print birth certificates for all Texans to inputting much-needed older records into the computer system. He said he has added scanners and disc burners to every work station in his office something that was unprecedented in Kleberg County.

Other modifications made by Alarcon were changing the precinct numbering system and the reduction of voting locations which ultimately resulted in a savings for the County.

Alarcon said he and his staff work closely and provide administrative support to County Court-at-Law Judge Martin Chiuminatto through the issuance of jury summons, warrants, subpoenas and commitments, and also provide support to County Judge Pete De La Garza by processing all mental, probate and juvenile cases.

Prior to taking office Alarcon’s previous employment was in Kingsville. Alarcon acknowledged and gave praise for the invaluable work ethics and friends he gained while employed at Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, H.M. King High School and Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Alarcon also served as an instructor for the KISD Community Education Center and during his tenure at SGBI, he did contract work for the King Ranch.

Alarcon graduated from H.M. King High School in 1974 where he served as class president, wrote articles for the Brahma Round-Up and served as president of the Leo Club, a Lion’s club sponsored youth organization.

Alarcon graduated from TAMUK and was the editor of the South Texan. He has a BA degree in Communications and Journalism and an MS degree in Counseling and Guidance. He sits on the Javelina Alumni Association board of directors.

Alarcon is a Paul Harris Fellow and is president of the Kingsville Rotary club, a civic organization that has been in existence in Kingsville since 1923. “Giving back to our community benefits you just as much by the satisfaction of at least trying to make one’s community a better place to live,” Alarcon said.

Alarcon is a member of Saint Gertrude Catholic Church, the Kingsville Community Choir and serves on various committees and boards including volunteering as an event chairman for La Posada de Kingsville.